How can solar energy transform water access, food production, and industrial processes? This module explores innovative, cross-sectoral solutions that connect clean energy with sustainable water and agricultural systems.
Understand which technologies can be used to implement the WEF-Nexus
1
Module Introduction
ONEPlanET Project's contribution to Africa's Energy Transition, focusing on WEF Nexus modelling and its application in the project's case studies
2
Clean Energy: Hydropower and Agrivoltaics
Learn about the sources for clean renewable energy generation. You will explore the correct use of hydropower plants and the implementation of agrivoltaics in more detail.
3
Energy impact of water treatment
Understand how integrated cross-sectoral solutions for water purification in agriculture and green hydrogen synthesis work.
4
Sustainable Solar water desalination and treatment systems
The relationship between resource systems and ecosystems in the WEF Nexus.
5
Using the sun for cooking
This one-hour interview explores how solar ovens use sunlight to provide a clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative to conventional cooking, showcasing their science, innovation, and impact on communities.
6
Multifunctionality of Nature-based Solutions
Explore Nature-Based Solutions through mountain terracing in Cyprus, showing how they prevent soil erosion, support ecosystems, provide resources, and enhance climate resilience.
7
Module Conclusion: Self-Assessment Quiz
Testing your knowledge and understanding of Cross-sectoral solutions.
Learn about existing technological solutions that to apply integrated modelling and planning approaches to tackle the complex challenges of water, energy, and food systems.
Explore Nexus interlinkages
Learn how clean energy solutions like solar and hydropower intersect with water and food systems to support integrated, cross-sectoral sustainability.
Examine practical examples—such as solar cooking, agrivoltaics, and industrial heat use—to design resource-efficient systems for agriculture and food processing.
The ONEPlanET Academy is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners with expertise in water, energy, food systems, and integrated modelling approaches, drawing on their experience from the ONEPlanET project and beyond.
Massimo Rivarolo
Associate Professor at University of Genoa
Professor Massimo Rivarolo specialises in energy systems and environmental engineering. He teaches courses such as Power Plants for Energy Conversion and Systems for Energy and the Environment. His research focuses on sustainable and low-impact technologies, including maritime energy systems and energy conversion, and he supervises PhD projects in these areas.
Stefano Barberis
Researcher at University of Genoa
Dr. Stefano Barberis earned his PhD in Turbomachinery and Advanced Energy Systems Engineering in 2016 after working as project manager in various EU energy research projects. His current research includes modelling long-duration thermal energy storage, hydrogen systems, and innovative energy systems; he also teaches several courses related to energy, environment and green transition.
Afroditi Magou
Research Assistant at The Cyprus Institute
Afroditi Magou is an Environmental Scientist with a Master of Laws in Global Environment and Climate Change Law from the University of Edinburgh. Since beginning her career in 2019, she has worked on projects related to maritime decarbonisation, environmental consultancy, and research in sustainability.
Marios C. Georgiou
Head of PROTEAS Facility Operations at The Cyprus Institute
Dr Marios Georgiou has been a core member of the Energy and Renewables Group for eight years. His work focuses on the CSP–DSW project, integrating concentrated solar power with seawater desalination, alongside extensive research on solar thermal systems and energy storage. A physicist with a PhD in Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, he has published widely, presented at international conferences, and contributed to numerous European research collaborations.
Savvas Hadjixenofontos
Founder at Fornalia Solar Ovens
Mr Savvas is the founder of Fornelia Ltd, a Cypriot company that designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar ovens in various sizes. Passionate about advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative green technologies. He is also recognised as an expert in high-efficiency solar parabolic trough cookers.
Christos Zoumides
Research Scientist at the Cyprus Institute
Dr Christos Zoumides is a Research Scientist at the Water Department of the Cyprus Institute’s Energy, Environment and Water Research Center, where he has worked since 2014. Holding a PhD in Environmental Management, his research explores the links between science and society, particularly in semi-arid regions. His work focuses on ecosystem services, and the assessment of costs, benefits, and trade-offs in water and land management and climate change adaptation.
